[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 180 (Wednesday, November 1, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5285-S5300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUESTS--EXECUTIVE CALENDAR

  Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I want to thank my colleagues for coming 
down here tonight. It is a very important issue that we are getting 
ready to talk about.
  We are in a very dangerous world right now. Our country is being 
challenged on multiple fronts across the globe. We literally have 
American troops under attack in the Middle East.
  As a member of the Armed Services Committee, as a U.S. Marine Corps 
colonel, I know--we all know here in the Senate--that America needs to 
have our best players, our most combat-capable leaders on the field, 
and, right now, that is not happening. It needs to change.
  I just want to begin by saying something very clear. You are going to 
hear this a lot. I am as pro-life as they come. I strongly disagree 
with what Secretary Austin and President Biden have done with their 
politicization of the military on a whole host of fronts, including the 
abortion policy, which I think is illegal and violates the Hyde 
amendment.
  And I have been working with many colleagues, but especially Senator 
Tuberville from Alabama, side by side, for months, trying to get this 
reversed, trying to get compromises. At the same time, we have been 
telling the majority leader: Do your job. Do your job. Bring up 
nominees so we can vote on them.
  Now, we have had to force them to do it. Tomorrow, we are going to be 
voting on the CNO of the Navy, a member of the Joint Chiefs; the Chief 
of Staff of the Air Force; the Assistant Commandant of the Marine 
Corps--not because the majority leader brought them up, but because we 
forced them to. He needs to do his job.
  But I also firmly believe that one of our most core basic 
principles--certainly, as Republicans--which I think in many ways 
distinguishes us from our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, is 
our serious focus on national security, readiness, a strong military, 
and taking care of our troops and their families.
  We all know there are current holds on our military. I want the 
American people to know right now, 376 promotions to one-, two-, three-
, and four-star generals and admirals are being held. It is estimated 
that, by the end of this year, 89 percent of all general officer 
positions in the U.S. military will be affected by the current holds 
from Senator Tuberville. Either the members have to be forced to 
retire, positions not filled, in acting capacity, or will be unable to 
retire--this is pretty much the entire officer corps. This is hugely 
disruptive to readiness.
  A couple of examples: 288 one- and two-star generals are being held. 
These are the men and women who run the military right now. We are 
going to talk about other places. The First Marine Expeditionary Force, 
the Third Marine Expeditionary Force--these are the war fighting 
organizations of the Marine Corps--the Seventh Fleet, which is our 
fighting naval force in the Taiwan Strait; the Fifth Fleet, the 
fighting naval force in the Middle East. It goes on and on. NATO Deputy 
Chairman, a three-star job, empty; Deputy U.S. CENTCOM Commander, 
empty. The head of the Navy nuclear program, the head of missile 
defense--all nonconfirmed.
  We have a big challenge right now. Let me be a bit more blunt on the 
issue of morale. The military has a huge readiness and retention 
problem. These holds are not helping.
  As I mentioned, I am a senior colonel in the Marines. Many of the 
one-star and two-star who are being held right now are in my peer 
group. I have known these men and women for 30 years. There is growing 
bitterness within the ranks of our military, driven by this fact, and I 
want people to understand this. The men and women in the military who 
served our country so well for decades--probably the most combat-
experienced generation since World War II--have made huge sacrifices, 
multiple deployments, and now their careers are being punished over a 
policy dispute they had nothing to do with and no power to resolve.
  That is what is happening right now, and the idea that some of these 
officers are supposedly woke or desk jockeys is ridiculous. These are 
some of the most combat-experienced generals and admirals we have ever 
had in our country.
  Finally, these holds also pose strategic risks to our force. What 
does that mean? We are starting to see military officers saying: 
Admirals and generals, I am getting out. Or they have to get out if 
they are going to be timed out.
  We had a scandal in the U.S. Navy several years ago called the ``Fat 
Leonard'' scandal. It literally wiped out a generation of Navy officers 
who had Pacific experience. We do not want to be responsible for a 
Senate-inflicted hollowing out of our most experienced military 
officers, especially given how dangerous the world is right now.
  So I have mentioned this before. I have worked closely with Senator 
Tuberville for months, always defending his holds, always looking for 
compromise. The one we are working on now: Lift the hold on the 
military officers who have nothing to do with this dispute and can't 
resolve it anyway, and put a hold on the Under Secretary

[[Page S5286]]

of Defense for Policy, who is in charge of this issue. Let's do that. 
That is a good compromise.
  But we haven't made progress, and the world is a dangerous place. So 
tonight we are taking another approach. For months, Senator Tuberville 
has said, if individual nominees are brought up for a vote one at a 
time, he will be fine with that. On September 6, he said: I am not 
holding up nominations for being approved. They can bring them to the 
floor one at a time.
  Well, tonight, that is exactly what we are going to do--individual 
votes on individual nominees, just as Senator Tuberville has requested. 
We have dozens. I hope the Senator from Alabama meant what he said on 
this issue, and he backs our troops, who are true warriors and, yes, 
heroes, who along with their families have dedicated their lives to 
this country, risked their lives for this country, and have nothing to 
do with this current policy dispute--nothing at all.
  Last night on TV, Senator Tuberville said he was ``all for the 
military''--in particular, our military heroes.
  You are going to hear a lot about military heroes tonight, and, 
hopefully, we are going to get a bunch of them confirmed, one by one, 
as we bring them up.
  I yield the floor to my colleague from Iowa.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Iowa.
  Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, the world is on fire because of Joe Biden's 
failed leadership and ongoing weakness. Our enemies are on the march. 
Our servicemembers are under attack by Iran-backed proxies. And our 
country is under greater threat than it has been in years.
  Innocent lives are on the line here at home and abroad. At home, the 
Biden DOD is waging a war on the unborn--a war that is immoral and 
unlawful.
  I am a mother. I have carried a baby girl in my womb who is now a 
second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and my baby girl is now carrying a 
baby of her own. And I am proudly, adamantly, and unabashedly pro-life. 
I always will be. That is why I have--I have--led the legislation to 
overturn this woke Dodd policy and will not rest in this fight for 
life, especially as we work through this year's Defense bill.
  Abroad, our friend and ally Israel is under assault by ruthless Iran-
backed Hamas. Jewish babies have been murdered, burned in ovens, and 
some even stripped from their mothers' wombs.
  As a 23-year combat veteran and retired lieutenant colonel of our 
great U.S. Army, I firmly believe the Pentagon should be focused on 
protecting innocent life, not destroying it.
  Joe Biden and Secretary Austin are weak and woke. The architects of 
this immoral policy should be held accountable. Anyone trying to insert 
their radical agenda into the military has no place in the Pentagon. No 
Senator should support any person or dollar that threatens the 
lethality of our warfighters.
  Catering to the far left does not win wars or keep Americans safe. 
Our servicemembers have been failed by their Commander in Chief, and we 
must do right by them and the security and protection of our own 
Nation.
  For over 9 months now, Chuck Schumer has used our military men and 
women as political pawns, refusing to allow the Senate to do its job of 
vetting and voting on military nominees. Only when Republicans forced 
the majority leader's hand did he finally relent and move on a few of 
those nominees.
  Tonight, we are once again standing up for valiant individuals who 
have answered the call to selfless service. Unlike in the past, when 
promotions were quietly approved en bloc with no discussion, tonight we 
will be highlighting the distinguished careers of each and then putting 
their nomination before the Senate for confirmation individually by 
voice vote.
  And with that, I will yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from South Carolina.
  Mr. GRAHAM. Thank you to my colleagues. Thank you for your leadership 
here.
  Senator Tuberville, I hope we can find a way to get this behind us, 
if possible. So my contribution to the debate is as follows: The 
bedrock of our democracy is that the military will be subordinate to 
civilian control. That has served our Nation well--that no matter who 
is in uniform, they answer to civilian authorities, and they are 
subordinate to the will of the civilian leadership elected and 
appointed. That has really helped our country be who we are today.
  One of the things that I can't understand is, if you require our 
military to be subordinate to the people above them in the civilian 
world, why would you punish them for something they have nothing to do 
with?
  All of these people--and if we need to call all 376, I will be glad 
to do it. I will get some rest this weekend and come back next week. I 
am going to start with two. All I am asking is to allow Major General 
Lenderman to get promoted. I will make that request in a minute.
  Major General Lenderman is a two-star general. She got promoted to 
three-star because her peers--the military promotion system--saw in her 
leadership qualities. And after I read her bio, I now know why she got 
promoted.
  But the job she is going into, she is going to be the Deputy 
Commander, Headquarters, Pacific Air Force, Hawaii. She would be 
responsible for Air Force activities over half the globe. The command 
supports 46,000 Airmen serving principally in Japan, Korea, Hawaii, 
Alaska and Guam. That has a lot to do with the Indo-Pacific theater.
  She has 3,000 flight hours as a KC-135, KC-10, KC-46 pilot. In case 
you don't know what that means, she flies the air refueling tankers 
that our fighters and our bombers come up to to stay in the fight. This 
is some of the hardest flying in the Air Force. You have to have your 
stuff together because refueling at night is not some easy thing. I 
have actually seen it done. I am an Air Force lawyer. They shouldn't 
let me near an airplane, but they did.
  I can tell you this, this lady has proven herself time and time 
again: 3,000 hours--I am sure most of it is combat--doing some of the 
hardest things any pilot can do in the Air Force. And she has zero to 
do with what happened. I don't know what her beliefs are about the life 
issue. I am pro-life, too, but I don't want to start asking our 
military members litmus test questions.
  She deserves to be promoted. You are not going to change policy that 
she didn't make by denying her the ability to be promoted. We need this 
lady as a three-star yesterday to deal with the threats coming from 
China and that part of the world.
  She is a graduate of Duke University. She has had every major job I 
can think of in Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base in 
Illinois, which I have been to several times.
  I am asking tonight that she be allowed to be promoted because she 
has had nothing to do with the policy we all object with. Holding her 
hostage doesn't help the pro-life cause. It hurts the military. The 
most pro-life people I know are the ones willing to die for us. She is 
willing to die for this country. She has proven herself time and time 
again. She needs to be promoted.
  Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to 
executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: 
Executive calendar No. 189, Laura L. Lenderman, to lieutenant general 
and Deputy Commander, Pacific Air Forces; that the Senate vote on the 
nomination without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the 
motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the 
President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Reserving the right to object, I want to start by 
thanking my colleagues for their service in the Armed Forces in the 
greatest country ever. There is no institution in this world I honor 
more than the U.S. military. I am thankful to every veteran in this 
country.
  I also want to note that I respect my colleagues' strong pro-life 
voting record. The Republican Party has been the pro-life party for 
half a century. We ought to be proud that we stand for life. We stand 
for the most vulnerable of our society: the unborn. I know my 
colleagues here share that conviction. The disagreement we are having 
today is about tactics.
  Let me explain why I am doing it, how we got here, and where we go 
from

[[Page S5287]]

here. Nine months ago, the Pentagon announced that they would start 
using our taxpayer dollars to facilitate abortion. Let me say that one 
more time. Nine months ago, the Pentagon announced--announced by memo--
that they would start using our taxpayer dollars to facilitate 
abortion. The Pentagon is now paying for travel and extra time off for 
servicemembers and their dependents to get abortions.
  Congress never voted for this. We also never appropriated the money 
for this. There is no law that allows them to do this. In fact, there 
is a law that says they can't do this. One more time: There is a law 
that says they can't do this, created in this room. It is 10 USC, 
Section 1093. It says the only time the Pentagon can spend taxpayer 
dollars on abortion is in cases of rape, incest, and threat to the 
health of the mom. So this is a policy that is illegal and immoral. 
This is about life, and it is also about the rule of law. It is about 
our Constitution. It is about whether we make laws at the Pentagon or 
whether we follow the Constitution.
  This is also about the integrity of our military. The only thing in 
this world I honor more than our military is the Constitution. We all 
swore to uphold the Constitution. I also feel very strongly about the 
obligation to uphold it every day in this room. I cannot simply sit 
idly by while the Biden administration injects politics in our 
military--again--injects politics in our military from the White House 
and spends taxpayers' dollars on abortion.
  The only power that a Senator in the minority has is to put a hold on 
a nomination--the only thing. I am not the first person to do this. 
Holds on nominations happen all the time. Holds on military nominations 
have happened many, many, many, many times before. Typically, they 
don't last as long because the administration will work with a Senator 
until the issue is resolved. But that has not happened this time. Zero 
negotiation.
  Abortion is the most important thing to the Democrats that they have, 
and they won't negotiate. One more time: Abortion is the most important 
thing the Democrats have, and they will not negotiate.
  This has been going on for 9 months. Every day this continues is a 
day that Democrats think abortion is more important than the nomination 
at our military. I support many of these nominees, and I agree that 
these are very, very important jobs. But we could have been voting on 
these nominees the entire 9 months.
  The Senate has had more than 90 days off this year, not including 
weekends. Each nomination could take as little as 2 hours. In fact, 
tomorrow we will be voting on three of the most important nominees that 
we forced the leader of the Senate to bring to the floor. The nominees 
at the very top ought to be voted on anyway. These jobs are too 
important not to receive the advice and consent of the Senate.

  I have to respectfully disagree with my colleagues about the effect 
of my hold on readiness. My hold is not affecting readiness. The Biden 
administration has been saying this for months, but nobody has an 
explanation. Nobody. The fact is, no jobs are going unfilled. Every job 
is being done. In fact, GEN Mark Milley said recently that our 
readiness is the best it has been in years. Time and again, generals 
and servicemembers have assured me that they are ready to go. I believe 
them.
  I am going to keep my holds in place. If Senators want to vote on 
these nominees one by one, I am all in. I am happy to do that. But I 
will keep my hold in place until the Pentagon follows the law or the 
Democrats change the law. This is about our Constitution. This is about 
the rule of law. That is what we are about in here. It is about the 
integrity of our military. It is about keeping politics out of the 
military. I did not put it in the military. Joe Biden and Secretary 
Austin put politics in the military. And it is about the right to life. 
These are some of the most important things in the world to me. And so 
I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard. The Senator from South 
Carolina.
  Mr. GRAHAM. I will have another one.
  Let me respond to my colleague respectfully. We have courts. If you 
think they have done something illegal, go to court. That is how you 
handle these things. The Pentagon has issued a legal opinion I disagree 
with, saying this doesn't violate the Hyde Amendment. I disagree with 
it.
  Here is what is going to happen. You just denied this lady a 
promotion. You did that. All of us are ready to promote her because she 
deserves to be promoted. She had nothing to do with this policy. Let me 
say it again. Everybody in this body could find an issue with any 
administration they don't agree with. And what we are going to do is 
open up Pandora's box. Today is abortion policy.
  If we take back the White House, we will go back to the Mexico City 
policy, limiting dollars to be given to overseas entities that are 
engaged in the abortion business. Some pro-choice people don't like 
that. What would happen if they put a hold on all of the officers 
because they don't agree with the Republican administration? There is a 
reason this has not been done this way for a couple hundred years.
  No matter whether you believe it or not, Senator Tuberville, this is 
doing great damage to our military. I don't say that lightly. I have 
been trying to work with you for 9 months. Folks, if this keeps going, 
people are going to leave.
  Let me tell you how the system works. You have 18 months, I think, 
from the time you are promoted to pen on. If you don't make that gate, 
your time and grade up-or-out rule kicks in. There are some people that 
are waiting to be promoted that if they don't get promoted soon, they 
will be out of the military.
  Now, how does that help anybody if they are qualified? There is not 
one Senator in here that cannot find a reason to object to an 
administration policy in the military. None of us. We could all find 
something. I just hope we don't do this routinely, because if this is 
the norm, who the hell wants to serve in the military when your 
promotion can be canned based on something you had nothing to do with? 
She had nothing to do with this. If you think it is illegal, go to 
court. We have courts in this country.
  I have one more: Rear Admiral Fred Kacher. Fred, sorry if I 
mispronounced your name. He has been promoted to three-star. OK? That 
is a pretty big deal. I made colonel and that is as far as I could go 
and that is probably a gift.
  What job does he have? He is going to be the Commander of the 7th 
Fleet, Japan. Somebody is doing his job right now, but they are not a 
three-star. We have a military promotion system to reward people who 
are good at what they do so they can have more responsibility. This 
officer had zero to do with the Pentagon's decision, which I don't like 
and you don't like, but he can't get promoted because of one of us.
  There is no end to this, folks. If this gets to be the norm, you are 
going to wreck the military promotion system. You are punishing people 
who, by law under the Constitution, require to be subservient to 
civilian control. They have to follow civilian control. And you are 
punishing them for something they didn't do. Punish the civilians who 
made the policy. That is the way to do it.
  I am going to move that Rear Admiral Fred Kacher be immediately 
promoted to three-star, 7th Fleet, Japan, Commander. It is the largest 
forward-deployed fleet operating around China, Russia, and North Korea. 
Given the threats coming from that area, I think we need this guy, 
like, yesterday.
  He is a 1990 U.S. Naval graduate. He commanded guided-missile 
destroyers. He has been--this is amazing; you need to read about this 
guy. We want this guy. Coach, we need this guy. We are in a fight. We 
need the best people on the field. He is off the field for something he 
had nothing to do with.
  And if this gets to be normal--I will end where I started. If this 
gets to be normal, God help the military because every one of us could 
find some reason to object to policy. Let's just don't hold hostage the 
men and women who have to follow civilian control. Let's don't ruin the 
lives of all these people who have been serving our Nation for decades.
  Their families can't enroll in school. Some of them are going to be 
knocked out of promotion because of time and grade problems. There are 
families

[[Page S5288]]

struggling out there because they can't move to the next assignment. 
This doesn't help anybody. It doesn't help any cause.
  So I ask unanimous consent that this promotion be taken up under 
Executive Calendar No. 189; Rear Admiral Kacher, 7th Fleet Commander; 
that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or 
debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be made and laid 
upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the 
Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator will hold.
  Mr. GRAHAM. Oh, sorry, sorry. This is why I didn't get promoted. 
Executive Calendar No. 85.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Mr. GRAHAM. Frederick W. Kacher. Thank you.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. GRAHAM. And we will be doing this 376 times.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Indiana.
  Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, I thank the President for the recognition.
  Let me begin with the obvious because I think Senator Graham did a 
great job of laying out what is at stake. He offered multiple arguments 
for why these amazing patriots who dedicated their professional lives 
to defending our safety, our security, our way of life should be 
promoted and should be promoted this evening.
  But a different take is just to begin with the obvious: We are in the 
midst of the most complicated and, therefore, the most complex and 
perilous security environment that I have ever experienced in my adult 
lifetime, certainly.
  Israel, our closest friend, our ally, is at war. Ukrainian freedom 
fighters remain at war against our adversary, Russia. We have a porous 
southern border. Last month alone, we had 18 individuals apprehended 
who are--just those who were apprehended--who are on the Terrorist 
Watchlist. There are all sorts of concerns about what might happen in 
the Indo-Pacific amidst this environment. We need a fully staffed, 
fully competent, fully engaged, and focused security establishment.
  We need these individuals to be put in place to assume the jobs that 
they are prepared for. So the security environment is incredibly 
dangerous. That means Mr. Tuberville's constituents in Alabama, my 
constituents in Indiana, and Americans all across the country, all 
across the world, their safety and security is in danger amidst this 
perilous time. So that is unique, but what is also unique is the number 
of holds.
  My friend--and he is my friend. He is a genuine friend. I have got a 
lot of respect for this man, Senator Tuberville, to my right. But the 
number of holds is certainly extraordinary. I think he would concede 
that because he is also a smart colleague.
  The length of the holds is extraordinary as well, but the tactics 
here, this is something that Senator Sullivan, who showed great 
leadership on this issue, Senator Ernst, myself, and many other 
colleagues have questioned. I am fervently, I am passionately, I am 
unapologetically pro-life in conviction and in deed. My reputation is 
untarnished, and it is unambiguous in that regard.
  So I have every interest in seeing that we assume a smart tactic, a 
smart game plan, if you will. And to hold responsible, effectively, 300 
nominated patriots who ought to be pinning on a star or another star 
right now--hold them professionally responsible for this and, by 
extension, to undermine the safety and security of the American people 
during this perilous time just doesn't make any sense to me.
  Instead, it makes more sense for us to hold accountable someone whom 
the President has nominated to fill the policy position at the Pentagon 
who would actually oversee implementation and administration of this 
horrible policy. I said that publicly, and to the extent Mr. Tuberville 
would remain open--to put it indelicately--to taking that hostage, I 
would be open to that tactic. But because that is not the case, we have 
a disagreement here, and it is going to have to be reconciled. I know 
Senator Tuberville wants to be a good teammate, a good pro-life 
teammate and a good national security teammate. There is an opportunity 
here for him to agree to at least--to at least--allow the following 
patriot to be confirmed this evening.
  Mr. President, I call to the floor Executive Calendar No. 131, VADM 
Karl Thomas, U.S. Navy, to be Vice Admiral and Deputy Chief of Naval 
Operations for Information Warfare.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to 
executive session for consideration of the following nomination, 
Executive Calendar No. 131, Karl Thomas, to be Vice Admiral and Deputy 
Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare, Office of the Chief 
of Naval Operations, Director of Naval Intelligence; that the Senate 
vote on the nomination of this esteemed individual, with whom I visited 
when I was in Japan earlier this year, without intervening action or 
debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider would be considered 
made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified 
of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  The Senator from Utah.
  Mr. ROMNEY. Mr. President, I rise out of great concern for our 
military, for its readiness in a time of great peril but also out of 
concern for the men and women who are being held up and whose careers 
and prospects and families and plans are being interrupted by virtue of 
the decision by, in this case, two people--one is Secretary Austin and 
the other is Senator Tuberville--to take intractable positions.
  And it is simply a, in my opinion, an abuse of the powers we have as 
Senators to say if there is something we vehemently disagree with, that 
we are going to use that power to hold up the promotion of over 350 men 
and women in our military.
  We each have things we might disagree with, with the military, and 
some would come with deep personal convictions about their morality. 
But if each Senator felt empowered to hold up all promotions in our 
military unless we got our way on one of those issues, why, our 
military would grind to a halt.

  This power is extraordinary that we are given as individual Senators, 
but it is incumbent upon us to use it in a reasonable way and not to 
abuse it in such a way that we end up putting in harm's way the 
capabilities of our military and the well-being of our men and women in 
uniform.
  Senator Tuberville correctly pointed out--I believe he is absolutely 
right--that what Secretary Austin did was in contravention of the Hyde 
amendment, against the law. We have a process for pursuing things that 
are done by an administration that are against the law. It is the court 
process. I am happy to join with an amicus brief or even file a legal 
action to reverse the Pentagon's policy. That is the process we should 
follow in a circumstance like this, not one that is being exacted upon 
350 men and women whom we need to have in service and whose lives are 
being so badly disrupted.
  I would also offer this: Senator Tuberville, if the Department of 
Defense, Secretary Austin were to say: OK. We will no longer pay for 
the travel of these individuals and their dependents but instead allow 
a private charity to do so, would that be acceptable to you and allow 
this to go away?
  I am looking for--yes. So for instance, if Secretary Austin agrees, 
all right, we will eliminate this policy, but we will allow a private 
charity to provide for the travel for someone who wants to receive an 
abortion in a State where that procedure is legal, would that satisfy 
you and allow this impasse to be resolved?
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Senator, that was the type of negotiation I have been 
looking for, for the last 9 months. Nobody--zero--has come to me with 
any alternatives to bypass to get this done.
  Mr. ROMNEY. Would that be an acceptable alternative?
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. It would; it would be a good starting point. We can 
sit down and work this out, but we can't do it without negotiations. 
That is

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what I was saying earlier. There have been zero negotiations. There has 
been no give. It has all been take--three 1-minute calls with the 
Secretary. I haven't talked to him since June. There has been no more 
conversation. So how do you work out a problem without communication?
  Mr. ROMNEY. Yes. Well, I have ways of doing that, which is I will 
pick up the phone and have that conversation. But we have to make sure 
that we do not continue to hold up 350-plus people from being able to 
get promoted. That is essential to our military.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alaska.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, we are going to start moving through 
some of these nominations. My colleague from Alabama has said publicly, 
hey, bring them up one at a time. And we are asking for a voice vote, 
so that is a vote. So we are doing what he said, not sure why he is 
objecting. Maybe he can explain that in a minute when I bring up 
another--a real hero by the way.
  And, look, what Senator Tuberville said about the policy and Austin 
and Biden on this abortion policy, I fully agree with him. We should be 
suing to stop it. I think it is illegal. And he is also right; 
everybody uses holds. I certainly use holds.
  But the key is you put a hold on someone who typically has some kind 
of control over the issue that you are trying to fix, some kind of 
responsibility. One of the things I have been talking to the Senator 
from Alabama on is, all right, let's put a hold on the Under Secretary 
of Defense for Policy. He is the guy. He is a civilian, and he is in 
charge of this policy dispute. Let's put a hold on him--that is the 
right guy--and squeeze him. But why are we putting holds on war heroes? 
I am going to get to one here in a minute.
  Again, I just--I don't understand. And, look, we can go in and out of 
readiness, but my colleague from Alabama is 100 percent wrong, no 
kidding. The readiness is being impacted when you have--I will just 
give a couple of examples here. This is just from one theater: EUCOM, 
the Deputy Chairman of NATO, pretty important job. It is a three-star 
billet. It is empty.
  The Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe--really important 
job--empty.
  Like I said, I MEF--that is the big Marine Corps combined force that 
fights anywhere in the world; 25,000 marines, commanded by a three-
star--it is a two-star. Now, for those who did serve in the military, 
we understand this is a problem. Same with III MEF. OK. This is just 
from EUCOM, European Command--72 officers are unable to assume their 
new positions. These 72 officers include 52 who cannot move because 
they have been nominated for a position that requires Senate 
confirmation, as well as 20 other officers who are projected to be 
assigned to a new position now held by one of the previous 52 officers. 
It is creating a giant blockage in the way in which the military 
operates.
  To say there are no readiness issues--I am the ranking member of the 
Readiness Subcommittee on the Armed Services Committee. There are 
readiness issues. And that is the whole point. We have a really 
dangerous world, a really dangerous world right now, and to say, ``Oh, 
don't worry; this isn't impacting readiness,'' with all due respect to 
my colleague, that is just wrong. It is not even a close call. It is 
wrong, and it matters to this country.
  Let me give you another example: the head of the Naval Nuclear 
Propulsion Program, the nuclear navy--one of the best run organizations 
on planet Earth, if you know anything about the military or just its 
organizations. It was started by Admiral Rickover. To not have the 
leadership in charge of the nuclear navy? That is a problem. To not 
have the leadership in charge of missile defense for America? That is a 
problem.
  So, look, we can debate readiness, but my colleague on this, in my 
view, is respectfully quite misinformed.
  I am going to bring up my first nominee. Now, this goes to the issue 
of some comments that have come out during this: Well, these one-star 
and two-star generals are kind of desk jockeys, right?
  These comments have been made.
  They are not warriors, right? The real warriors are the captains and 
the sergeants.
  Look, I love the whole military, but the one- and two-star Generals--
I know a lot of them. That is my peer group in the Marine Corps. I am a 
little bit behind them. I am not going to be promoted. I am getting out 
here probably soon. But I know these guys, and the idea that somehow 
these are desk jockeys? Do you know who these people were, the one- and 
two-stars we are holding up right now, 289 of them? These were the 
Captains and Lieutenants who were going fighting in Afghanistan and 
Iraq after 9/11.
  The current Commandant of the Marine Corps--by the way, every 
American should be praying for him; big health issues--he has a Purple 
Heart, distinguished combat.
  These were the people who were kicking in doors in Fallujah, shooting 
terrorists in the face, and we have people saying they are desk jockeys 
and they are not warriors? That is just ridiculous. It is ridiculous, 
and it is insulting.
  So I am going to talk about a warrior. I am getting ready to call up 
Col. Robert Weiler. He has been nominated to be a one-star Brigadier 
General, to be the 1st Marine Division Assistant Commander. That is the 
big division on the west coast of the U.S. Marine Corps infantry. I 
used to be part of the 1st Marine Division. I am proud of that. You 
need a Deputy Commander. They don't have one, OK?
  Let's talk about Colonel Weiler--28-year career; commanded the 5th 
Marine Regiment--I was in that regiment, the most decorated regiment in 
the Marine Corps; 2d Battalion 4th Marines; 2d Battalion 24th Marines; 
deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan I think six times.
  Think about what his family went through, OK? Think about what his 
family has sacrificed. And right now, people are being told: You are 
not going anywhere, Colonel, because we have a dispute on an issue you 
have nothing to do with that you can't resolve.
  Let's hear a little bit more about this Colonel in the Marine Corps. 
He received a Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in 
action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Weapons 
Company, 2d Battalion 4th Marines, 5th Marine Regiment, 6 through 10 
April 2004, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; heavily engaged by 
enemy forces for an over 4-hour firefight while wounded by enemy fire, 
OK? Purple Heart. He continued to fearlessly lead marines as they 
destroyed this tenacious enemy. He is no woke guy. He is no desk 
jockey. Oh, what else did he do? He got a Purple Heart in that vicious 
combat.
  He received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a combat 
distinguishing device for heroic action in another deployment--2d 
Battalion 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, on 6 September in Ramadi, 
Iraq. He took decisive action by directing fires of his raid force, 
quickly gaining fire superiority and suppressing and killing the enemy. 
Although dazed by a major blast, he continued to lead and direct his 
team in combat, where they killed and captured all five insurgents on 
their target raid list. So we are going to block him tonight?
  The Senator from Alabama last night on TV said he respects all 
military, especially the heros.
  Well, you got one coming. You got one coming, Senator.
  So we are going to do what you asked, which is do a vote individually 
on this American hero.
  I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session 
for consideration of the following nomination: Col. Robert S. Weiler to 
be Brigadier General in the U.S. Marine Corps under Executive Calendar 
No. 95; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening 
action or debate; that, if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be made 
and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of 
the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Hassan). Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Reserving the right to object, first of all, I would 
like to correct something my colleague just said. Not one time in my 
life have I ever said anything about anybody in our military was a desk 
jockey. I don't know where he got that from. I guess that is a military 
term. I would not do

[[Page S5290]]

that. I would not disrespect anybody in any job in the military that 
they have ever done. So I just want to set that story straight with 
people who will write a little bit about this disagreement tonight.
  But with that, I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  The Senator from Iowa.
  Ms. ERNST. Madam President, I know this is a frustrating exercise, 
but we are going to flesh out some of these nominees tonight, truly 
incredible individuals who have served our Nation through thick and 
thin. These are folks who deserve to be promoted.
  So I rise today to talk about Lt. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot on his 
promotion to the grade of General and his nomination to be the next 
Commander of U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace 
Defense Command, also known as NORAD.
  General Guillot is from Tucson, AZ, and he is a proud graduate of the 
United States Air Force Academy. I am sorry he could not get into West 
Point. He has successfully commanded a flying squadron operations 
group, two flying wings, a numbered Air Force, and has admirably served 
on numbered Air Force, major command, and combatant command staffs.
  He is an expert in his field, as demonstrated by having been an Air 
Force Weapons School instructor and graduate of the National War 
College.
  General Guillot is a decorated warfighter and a senior air battle 
manager by training who is currently the Deputy Commander of U.S. 
Central Command. He has been instrumental integrating air, missile, and 
drone defense systems across the Middle East--experience that is 
applicable to the challenges facing NORTHCOM's air and missile 
defenses.

  I believe that General Guillot's qualifications, his record, and his 
outstanding character make him the right nominee to serve in this 
important role.
  So we can confirm this nomination by voice vote right here, now, and 
therefore I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive 
session for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive 
Calendar No. 236, Lt. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot to be General; that the 
Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; 
that, if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and 
laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the 
Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Ms. ERNST. Madam President, if I can just address this very briefly 
before we move to my colleague from Indiana, I have a discharge 
petition that was signed at our conference lunch the other day for Lt. 
Gen. General M. Guillot. That discharge petition was signed by Senator 
Tuberville, meaning that Senator Tuberville believed that we should be 
voting on General Guillot. I was asking for a voice vote for General 
Guillot this evening.
  I am not sure how we remedy this situation, but I can tell you we 
will keep working on these nominations, and we will get answers 
someday, and they will be confirmed someday if we have the intestinal 
fortitude to do what is right by our military men and women, who have 
absolutely nothing to do with the policy that was put in place by 
Secretary Lloyd Austin and President Joe Biden.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Indiana.
  Mr. YOUNG. Madam President, I call to the floor Executive Calendar 
No. 238, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Kruse, U.S. Air Force, to be Lieutenant 
General and Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.
  General Kruse currently serves as the Director's Advisor for Military 
Affairs at the Office of the DNI. This is a post he has held since 
2020. One need not have me explain to them--especially if they are 
tuned in to matters of national security--the importance of our Defense 
Intelligence Agency at a time like this.
  Previously, Mr. Kruse served as the Director for Defense Intelligence 
for Warfighter Support in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 
for Intelligence and Security.
  Prior to his OSD and interagency roles, General Kruse served as the 
Director for Intelligence at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, deployed as 
Director of Intelligence for Combined Joint Task Force Operation 
Inherent Resolve, and served as Senior Special Advisor for the 
Commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander in 
Europe.
  He has commanded Air Force units at all levels across seemingly every 
geography, and he has deployed on multiple occasions to combat theaters 
around the globe.
  Feeling good about this one. We can confirm this nomination by voice 
vote right now.
  Feeling really good, Senator Tuberville.
  It is for that reason that I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to executive session for the consideration of Executive 
Calendar No. 238, Jeffrey A. Kruse to be Lieutenant General and 
Director, Defense Intelligence Agency.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Mr. YOUNG. I further request that the Senate vote on the nomination 
without intervening action or debate; that, if confirmed, the motion to 
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President 
be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. YOUNG. Well, I call to the floor Executive Calendar No. 188, Lt. 
Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, U.S. Air Force, to be General and the 
Commander of Pacific Air Forces.
  General Schneider has been serving as the Director of Staff for the 
Air Force since 2021. He has commanded at all levels, including a 
combat wing in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. General 
Schneider is a command pilot with more than 4,000 flight hours, with 
530 combat flight hours on multiple airframes. He has also earned 
numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star and the Air Medal.
  We can confirm this nomination by voice vote right now. Therefore, I 
ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for 
the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 
188, Kevin B. Schneider, to be General and the Commander of Pacific Air 
Forces; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening 
action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be 
considered made and laid upon the table and the President be 
immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Madam President, I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. YOUNG. Madam President, that being the case, I call to the floor 
Executive Calendar No. 107, Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, Jr., USMC, to be 
Lieutenant General and the Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and 
Operations for Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
  General Bierman has held numerous command postings, most recently 
serving as the Commander of the Third Marine Expeditionary Force and 
Marine Forces Japan. He has shown a true commitment to service in this 
posting, ensuring that marines remain prepared to face any future 
threats. General Bierman has also deployed multiple times, including to 
Afghanistan and Iraq, where he led marines in combat operations. His 
many commendations include the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing 
Device and the Legion of Merit.
  We can confirm this nomination by voice vote right now. Therefore, I 
ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for 
the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 
107, James W. Bierman, Jr., to be Lieutenant General and Deputy 
Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations, Headquarters, U.S. 
Marine Corps; that the Senate vote on the nomination without 
intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to 
reconsider be considered made and laid upon

[[Page S5291]]

the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's 
action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Madam President, I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. YOUNG. Having heard that objection, Madam President, I call to 
the floor Executive Calendar No. 132, Lt. Gen. Michael S. Cederholm, 
U.S. Marine Corps, to be Lieutenant General and Commanding General, I 
Marine Expeditionary Force.
  General Cederholm has been Deputy Commandant for Aviation since July 
2022, a position he held with high distinction. He has held many 
operational assignments, including in U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command 
and as a TOPGUN Instructor Pilot. He has flown operational tours in all 
aircraft that the Marine Corps has to offer. General Cederholm has held 
numerous other assignments, including the deployments in furtherance of 
Operation Enduring Freedom, Joint Task Force Southern Watch, and Iraqi 
Freedom. He has also served in many Commanding Officer postings, 
including Commanding General of Task Force Baltic Watchtower and 
Commanding General of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
  We can confirm this nomination by voice vote right now. Therefore, I 
ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for 
the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 
132, Michael S. Cederholm, to be Lieutenant General and Commanding 
General, I Marine Expeditionary Force; that the Senate vote on the 
nomination without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the 
motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the 
President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Madam President, I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. YOUNG. Madam President, I am going to make one further attempt.
  I call to the floor Executive Calendar No. 84, RADM George M. Wikoff, 
USN, to be Vice Admiral and Commander, Fifth Fleet.
  Admiral Wikoff currently serves as Acting Commander for Naval Air 
Forces. He began his career serving as a naval aviator, moving up to 
command Strike Fighter Squadron 211, Strike Fighter Squadron 122, 
Carrier Air Wing 3, and Carrier Strike Group 5. Among many command 
assignments, General Wikoff has notably served as the Commander of 
Strike Fighter Squadron 211, Carrier Air Wing 3, and Strike Fighter 
Squadron 122. His shore assignments include a posting at the Naval 
Strike and Air Warfare Center, as a TOPGUN Training Officer, as 
Battle Director at the Combined Air and Space Operations Center in 
Qatar, and many other critical postings.

  We can confirm this nomination by voice vote right now. Therefore, I 
ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for 
the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 
84, RADM George M. Wikoff, to be Vice Admiral and Commander, Fifth 
Fleet; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening 
action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be 
considered made and laid upon the table and the President be 
immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Madam President, I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  The Senator from Alaska.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, just for people who are watching, as 
to that last nominee for Fifth Fleet Commander, you may have heard 
there are two carrier strike groups in the Middle East. He is the naval 
officer who would be in charge of all of them--right there. We could 
have put him in charge. It is pretty important to have a Fifth Fleet 
Commander ready to go.
  He just objected to it. I am not sure why. Again, we are bringing 
these up one by one, which is what I thought my colleague from Alabama 
said he was good to go with.
  Before I start going through my list, I just want to say, if anyone 
is watching--Senator Ernst and I were just talking about this--just 
listen to these bios. This is the best of America. This is the best of 
America. These men and women have been serving and sacrificing 
honorably for literally decades--all of them for almost 30 years at 
least. So when you think about it, think about the families behind 
these men and women. Think about their sacrifices. They are sacrificing 
a lot right now, and there is a lot of uncertainty. In my view, it is 
just a big mistake.
  Again, I am with Senator Tuberville on the policy of the Biden 
administration and Secretary Austin. We have got to fix that. But this 
tactic of making the military members who have nothing to do with it, 
of punishing them and their careers--which is what is happening, don't 
kid yourself--it is hurting their families. It is the wrong way to go 
about it, especially at this very dangerous time.
  So, Madam President, I am going to call up the next promotion: VADM 
James W. Kilby to be U.S. Navy Admiral and Vice Chief of Naval 
Operations.
  Now, if you want to talk about a readiness issue, the Vice Chief of 
Naval Operations is the person who is going to be in charge, for 
America, of our very decrepit shipbuilding and industrial base. 
Everybody knows that that is a readiness problem, and I have been told 
by many military officers that Admiral Kilby is the person--the 
leader--who can turn America's shipbuilding in the right direction. We 
have a giant readiness issue on shipbuilding. This person is the 
individual who can turn it around.
  I have been told by many, and here is why: In over 30 years in the 
Navy, he commanded the USS Russell, which is a DDG-59, and the USS 
Monterey, a CG-61. Vice Admiral Kilby's additional sea tours were on 
the USS Sampson, a DDG-10; the USS Philippine Sea, a CG-58, two tours 
on the USS San Jacinto. Vice Admiral Kilby most recently served as the 
Deputy Commander of all U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
  So he is a very important person. We could get moving right now to 
help our very weak industrial capacity and build ships, which everybody 
knows, as it relates to China, is probably one of the most important 
readiness issues we have to deal with. This person tonight--this leader 
tonight--could be confirmed to start that shipbuilding capacity for 
America tomorrow as the Vice CNO.
  So with that, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
Senate proceed to executive session for consideration of the following 
nomination: Executive Calendar No. 335, James W. Kilby, to be Admiral 
and Vice Chief of Naval Operations; that the Senate vote on the 
nomination without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the 
motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the 
President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Madam President, I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, the next nominee--again, we are doing 
them one at a time, one at a time. I thought that is what my colleague 
and friend from Alabama wanted. He still hasn't explained why ``one at 
a time'' is not what he wanted, but maybe he will do that.
  This is regular order, by the way. For those who wonder, Well, it is 
not regular order, nobody knows what that means, but this is regular 
order because, in the Senate for 200 years, we have brought up and 
confirmed one- and two- and three-star Generals just like this: regular 
order voice votes.

  So when my colleague said: I am good to go with bringing up 
individuals for a voice vote, for a vote, that is what we are doing. 
That is what we are doing. There is no explanation over there so far.
  OK. Let me talk about MG Sean A. Gainey of the U.S. Army. We are 
trying to get him promoted to be Lieutenant General and Commanding 
General of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Wow. That is a 
really important billet, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense 
Command. So we want a leader on those issues.

[[Page S5292]]

  Here is a little bit about Major General Gainey: 33 years--33 years--
of patriotic service. He has served as Deputy Commanding General for 
the U.S. Army Cadet Command, the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense 
Command, and on the Joint Staff as the Deputy Director for Force 
Protection, J8, overseeing the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense 
Organization. Major General Gainey has deployed in support of Operation 
Joint Task Force-East and Operation Enduring Freedom. Most recently, 
Major General Gainey served as the Director, Joint C-UAS Office, and 
Director of Fires in the G3/5/7 at Headquarters of the Army.
  In essence, this general is an expert not just on missile command but 
on fires to protect our Nation--very qualified. I hope we can confirm 
him right now. Our country needs him.
  Therefore, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following 
nomination: Executive Calendar No. 47, Sean A. Gainey, to be Lieutenant 
General and Commanding General, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense 
Command--a really important billet and a really important command; that 
the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; 
that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid 
upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the 
Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Madam President, I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, let me move on to another Army officer 
and the same kind of billet that, again, really matters. This would be 
again on missile defense. This is Lt. Gen. Philip A. Garrant of the 
U.S. Space Force--I apologize. I mentioned he was in the Army. He is 
actually in the U.S. Space Force--to be Lieutenant General Commander, 
Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force--again a really important 
billet.
  Once again, if you look at this career, it is 29 years--29 years--of 
patriotic service to our country. Think about what his family has been 
through--multiple deployments.
  Lieutenant General Garrant has served as the Commander of the 689 
ARSS Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, and Vice Commander and 
Deputy Air Force Program Executive Officer for the Space and Missiles 
Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base.
  By the way, these officers who are doing all of the space work--Space 
Force, Army, Navy--are brilliant. We don't have their resumes in terms 
of their schools, but I guarantee you these are physicists--brilliant, 
brilliant Army, Space Force, Air Force officers whom all Americans 
should be proud of.
  Lieutenant General Garrant most recently served as Deputy Chief of 
Space Operations Strategy, Plans, Programs, and Requirements for the 
U.S. Space Force.
  We can confirm him right now by an individual voice vote, Madam 
President. So I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to 
executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: 
Executive Calendar No. 293, Lt. Gen. Philip A. Garrant, U.S. Space 
Force, to be Lieutenant General and Commander, Space Systems Command, 
U.S. Space Force; that the Senate vote on the nomination without 
intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to 
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President 
be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  The Senator from Alaska.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, I am going to bring up another 
important Lieutenant General. When we talk about mental health and we 
talk about taking care of our troops--we have got a big suicide problem 
in our military in Alaska--having the top Surgeon General in the 
military is also really important. These aren't just combat positions. 
These are other really important positions.
  I want to talk about BG Mary V. Krueger, U.S. Army, to be Lieutenant 
General and the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army. Brigadier General 
Krueger has had a 32-year career in the Army. She has served as the 
Supervisory Assistant for Deputy Health Affairs, Assistant Secretary 
for the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, the Commander of U.S. 
Army Health Clinic, and the Division Surgeon for the 4th Infantry 
Division.
  Again, boy, do we need that. In my State, with my troops, my 
military, the mental health issues are so important. Having the leader 
in the Army as Surgeon General will only enhance that issue. And we are 
to say that none of this impacts readiness?
  The Brigadier General's deployments include to Tikrit, Iraq, in 
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn, from 2009 to 
2012. Most recently, Brigadier General Krueger served as the Commanding 
General of the Regional Health Command--Atlantic.
  I, therefore, ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to 
executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: 
Executive Calendar No. 283, Mary V. Krueger, to be Lieutenant General 
and the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army; that the Senate vote on the 
nomination without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the 
motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, and 
the President be immediately notified of the Senate's actions.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, let me move on to another service. 
This is RADM Daniel Cheever, U.S. Navy, to be Vice Admiral and 
Commander of Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific.
  One thing that we always think about in the military, when you think 
28, 29, 30 years and the combat experience, is that the experience that 
they bring is just remarkable. It is, by the way, the best military in 
the world. And this Rear Admiral, in his career, has this in spades.
  With 34 years in the Navy so far, Rear Admiral Cheever commanded 
Carrier Strike Group 4, Strike Fighter Squadron 147--the VFA 147. So a 
carrier strike group--that is commanding a carrier strike group. That 
is several ships around an aircraft carrier. That is giant experience, 
and we are making this person, this great leader, sit on the bench when 
our country is in peril.
  Rear Admiral Cheever has extensive EUCOM and CENTCOM experience as a 
Naval Amphibious Liaison Element for the Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet 
and 17th Air Force, and as a battle director at Combined Air and Space 
Operations Center, U.S. Central Command.
  Most recently, Rear Admiral Cheever served as the Director of Plans, 
Policies, and Strategy at the North American Aerospace Defense Command 
and Director of Policy and Strategy at U.S. Northern Command--so, 
again, a great warrior right here, a carrier strike group commander. 
Only America produces these great warriors.
  I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session 
for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar 
No. 181, Daniel L. Cheever, to be Vice Admiral and Commander of the 
Naval Air Forces; Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, the 
fleet that will take on China--we have a war there; we need this 
officer--that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening 
action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be 
considered made and laid upon the table, and the President immediately 
be notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, this one is special to me, since we 
are doing all the different services: Space Force, Navy, Army, Air 
Force. This is Maj. Gen. Roger Turner, U.S. Marine Corps, to be 
Lieutenant General and Commanding General, Third Marine Expeditionary 
Force and Commander of Marine Forces Japan.
  The III MEF, as we call it in the Marine Corps--we only have three 
MEFs

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in the entire Marine Corps: I MEF, II MEF, and III MEF. This is the MEF 
in Okinawa, forward deployed, waiting, ready to protect our interests 
in the Taiwan Strait, in Indo-PACOM. Right now, III MEF doesn't have a 
three-star general; neither does I MEF.

  Again, that doesn't impact readiness? Of course, it does. Anyone who 
knows anything about the military knows that that impacts readiness. 
One of the most important fighting forces in the American military, III 
MEF, needs a Lieutenant General in charge.
  Maj. Gen. Roger Turner has served in the Marine Corps since 1984. He 
most recently served as Commanding General of the First Marine 
Division. That is at Camp Pendleton--really important, big division, 
infantry division, great experience.
  Previously, he served as a Commanding General of the Marine Air 
Ground Task Force Command and the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat 
Center--incredible combat experience, ready to go if there is a Taiwan 
Strait crisis or another challenge in the Indo-PACOM theater. We really 
need this general.
  For that reason, we can confirm him right now--right now--by voice 
vote, singular, what the Senator from Alabama has been asking for. We 
will see.
  So, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed 
to executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: 
Executive Calendar No. 191, Roger B. Turner, Jr., to be Lieutenant 
General and Commanding General, Third Marine Expeditionary Force, and 
Commander of Marine Forces Japan; that the Senate vote on the 
nomination without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the 
motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, and 
the President be immediately notified of the Senate's actions.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  The Senator from Iowa.
  Ms. ERNST. Madam President, we have got another incredible officer 
that we are bringing to the floor this evening for a voice vote, and I 
do hope my colleague from Alabama will explain to everyone out there 
who is watching why he has asked for individual votes, and, when given 
the opportunity, he is objecting to individual votes. I feel like we 
are in a holding pattern. But maybe he will care to explain that to us 
in a moment.
  But, right now, I do want to focus on this really incredible officer. 
I have had the opportunity to work with this officer, and I will talk 
about the most recent time that I interacted with him.
  I am bringing to the floor right now VADM Brad Cooper on his 
nomination to be the next Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command.
  I just saw Admiral Cooper in Bahrain. The day I saw him in Bahrain 
was October 7--October 7, the day that Hamas overran defenses that 
separated the Gaza Strip and Israel; the day that Hamas went into 
Israel and murdered babies, raped women, cut babies out of their 
mother's stomachs, killed innocent elderly men and women, abducted 
Americans and took them into the Gaza Strip. That is the last day that 
I saw Brad Cooper--October 7, the terrorist strikes against Israel.
  Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command--what region is that? That 
is the region where Israel is located. They need fine men and women at 
U.S. Central Command. This is an area where we have seen great 
terrorist threats.
  Our dear friends, the Israelis, are struggling under the weight of 
Iran-backed terrorist proxies. At U.S. Central Command, we need 
leadership.
  I am bringing forward VADM Brad Cooper. I will remind the body, just 
as I did with General Guillot, that I passed around the Republican 
conference the other day a discharge petition, which means we would 
have a vote on VADM Brad Cooper. One of the signatures on that petition 
is of my colleague from Alabama. He agreed to vote on this nominee, and 
we are giving him the opportunity to vote on this nominee, who will be 
the Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command, where we have what could 
be World War III brewing. Our friends the Israelis need every last good 
man and woman that the United States has serving in these important 
positions.
  A little bit about VADM Brad Cooper: He is the son of a career Army 
officer. He attended high school in Montgomery, AL. Vice Admiral Cooper 
joined the Navy and received his commission from the U.S. Naval 
Academy. He is a career surface warfare officer. He served on guided 
missile cruisers, guided missile destroyers, aircraft carriers, 
amphibious assault ships, and successfully commanded both the USS 
Russell and the USS Gettysburg.
  If anyone knows Admiral Cooper, he is a very humble man. He is very 
proud of the extraordinary men and women with whom he served on sea 
duty during his 9 deployments and 13 real-world operations all around 
our globe.
  He has served in a variety of positions throughout his career, and he 
has been nominated to serve in the U.S. Central Command as their Deputy 
Commander.
  He has been instrumental in maintaining the stability and security of 
the Middle East regions' maritime environment through NAVCENT. His 
skills and experience gained in this position at NAVCENT make him 
absolutely the right choice to be the Deputy Commander of U.S. Central 
Command, and I am excited to see him confirmed.
  So, Madam President, we can confirm that nomination by voice vote 
tonight--tonight. We will vote on this man: 9 deployments, 13 real-
world operations. He is a warrior.
  I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session 
for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar 
No. 196, Charles B. Cooper, II, to be Vice Admiral; that the Senate 
vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that, if 
confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon 
the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's 
action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Ms. ERNST. Madam President, we see another one bite the dust. It is a 
good thing I still have that discharge petition, and we will see Vice 
Admiral Cooper on the floor once again, and I hope that my colleague 
will choose to support him.
  So I served in the Iowa Army National Guard, and I am really proud of 
that service. So I deployed overseas with the Iowa Army National Guard 
as a young Company Commander. I was the first female to command my 
unit. It was the same unit that my father had served in when he was a 
young Sergeant in the Iowa Army National Guard. He was a mechanic. He 
is the salt of the Earth.
  And I was so proud to grow up and serve alongside some really 
incredible Iowa Army National Guardsmen. They worked so hard. They 
worked so hard on that deployment, Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Now, I was gone from 2003 to 2004. My daughter, she was 3 years old 
when I deployed, and she was nearly 5 years old when I returned home. 
So my daughter--again, she is a Second Lieutenant serving Active-Duty 
U.S. Army. And she told me--it has probably been a year ago--she had 
read an interesting statistic about children who have mothers that 
served in uniform. And she told me that that statistic was that 80 
percent of the children who have mothers that wore the uniform will go 
into the service.
  She said: Mom, I didn't have a choice. So she did; she went into the 
U.S. Army. And I encouraged that, and I am so proud of her for her 
service. Again, she is a young officer. I know she is disappointed by 
what she sees today--in particular, this evening.
  And what I want the folks to know--and in a roundabout way I am 
coming to this. But all of these holds are affecting our men and women 
in the military. They are affecting the families of these men and 
women. Like I said, 80 percent of the children whose mothers wore the 
uniform are more likely to go in than those who didn't have a mother 
who served.
  But right now, today, 37 percent of Active-Duty families are likely 
to recommend military service--37 percent. They see what is going on 
today.
  And I have heard my colleague say we shouldn't be injecting politics 
into

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the military and that President Biden did that and Lloyd Austin, 
Secretary of Defense, did that. But what are we doing to these military 
men and women? Politics are being injected right here, today. We have 
men and women who deserve to be promoted, to serve where their country 
knows they are needed.
  And our military families today are saying: You know what, I don't 
want my kid serving in the military because they will be used as 
political pawns.
  That is dishonorable, and it is abhorrent. So I served. Col. Dan 
Sullivan served. We understand the significance of service and being 
willing to lay down your life for a fellow countryman.
  This next gentleman that I am bringing forward, we have something in 
common because this gentleman is a native of Spencer, IA. He enlisted 
into the Iowa Army National Guard. OK? He enlisted in 1981. He also was 
salt of the Earth, just like my father, who enlisted in the Iowa Army 
National Guard.
  This gentleman is LTG James J. Mingus. He has been appointed to the 
grade of General and nominated to be the next Vice Chief of Staff of 
the Army. Again, he enlisted into the Iowa Army National Guard in 1981. 
He graduated from Winona State University in Minnesota, our neighbor to 
the north, and he commissioned into the Army infantry.
  During more than 38 years of service, Lieutenant General Mingus has 
commanded at every echelon from company to brigade in addition to 
working in key staff positions in both Army, Special Operations Forces, 
and joint units. He is a decorated warfighter with extensive combat 
service. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and 
Operation Enduring Freedom 12 times from 2001 to 2012.
  Lieutenant General Mingus has distinguished himself with honor, 
having been awarded for meritorious achievement in a combat zone. He is 
a hard-working public servant who knows the needs of our soldiers and 
their families.
  I have full confidence that he will continue to modernize the Army 
and maintain our highly trained and lethal force to fight and win our 
Nation's wars. The problem is, he can't do it if he is not serving in 
that position.
  I firmly believe that his qualifications, record, and character--and, 
of course, his great home State of Iowa--make him the right nominee to 
serve in this important role.
  Therefore, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following 
nomination: War hero Executive Calendar No. 288, James J. Mingus, to be 
General and Vice Chief of Staff of the Army; that the Senate vote on 
the nomination without intervening action or debate; that, if 
confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon 
the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's 
action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Ms. ERNST. Madam President, now, I have the honor and privilege of 
talking about MG John W. Brennan, Jr., on his appointment to the grade 
of Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army and his nomination to be the 
Deputy Commander of U.S. Africa Command.
  Major General Brennan is currently serving as Special Assistant to 
the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. 
This is no paper pusher, Madam President--and I have heard that phrase.
  Army Special Operations play a crucial role in competition and 
deterring great power war. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure this 
deserving officer, who earned this promotion, is confirmed to this key 
national security position.
  The good Major General is a decorated warfighter with extensive 
combat service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and in the Inherent Resolve 
Campaign, having recently served as Commander of Combined Joint Task 
Force-Operation Inherent Resolve just last year. He distinguished 
himself with honor, having been awarded a Bronze Star with ``V'' for 
valor.
  I firmly believe that Major General Brennan's qualifications, record, 
and character make him exceptionally eligible for this promotion, and I 
look forward to confirming him to be the Deputy Commander of U.S. 
Africa Command, a very important position. Again, ``V'' for valor.
  I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session 
for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar 
No. 130, John W. Brennan, Jr., to be Lieutenant General and Deputy 
Commander, U.S. Africa Command; that the Senate vote on the nomination 
without intervening action or debate; that, if confirmed, the motion to 
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President 
be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Ms. ERNST. Madam President, another great, decorated officer--and we 
are going to keep going because these men and women deserve to be 
confirmed.
  Madam President, I am going to talk now about CAPT Frank Schlereth on 
his appointment to the grade of Rear Admiral, lower half, in the U.S. 
Navy. CAPT Frank Schlereth is currently serving as the Senior Defense 
Official and Defense Attache within the U.S. Embassy, Israel.
  It is crucial at this time in history to ensure this deserving 
officer, who earned this promotion, is recognized for serving in a key 
position to national security and regional stability. The Captain is a 
two-time Naval Attache, having served in Athens, Greece; and Tel-Aviv, 
Israel.
  He has extensive experience within the Defense Intelligence Agency 
Directorate of Operations, having served as the Chief of Operations for 
the DIA, Defense Attache Service, and the East Asia Division Chief.
  He is a decorated warfighter with extensive combat service, having 
deployed to Afghanistan in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom 
as a team leader in support of a sensitive collection mission.
  Captain Schlereth distinguished himself with honor, having been 
awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ``V'' for valorous 
achievement in a combat zone during his deployment.
  I also believe that the Captain's qualifications, record, and 
character make him exceptionally eligible for this appointment and 
promotion.
  Therefore, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following 
nomination: Executive Calendar No. 103, Frank G. Schlereth, III, to be 
Rear Admiral (lower half); that the Senate vote on the nomination 
without intervening action or debate; that, if confirmed, the motion to 
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President 
be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Ms. ERNST. Madam President, we will proceed to COL Peter G. Hart.
  I call to the floor Executive Calendar No. 94, COL Peter G. Hart, to 
the grade of Brigadier General.
  Colonel Hart is currently fulfilling a crucial role as an Army 
Strategist for the U.S. Central Command. As a 23-year combat veteran 
and retired Lieutenant Colonel of our great U.S. Army, I am proud to 
stand up for this valiant officer who has answered the selfless call to 
service and earned this promotion in the U.S. Army.
  Again, I want to talk about making these individuals political pawns 
in the grand scheme. So the VFW had recently done a survey. And they 
did surveys in every State and overseas territory of their members.
  These are veterans. Polls indicate there is a growing wedge between 
the veteran community and the colleagues on this side of the aisle and 
``political decisions that harm the troops will affect the decisions of 
BFW members in upcoming elections.''
  People don't like men and women who are used as political pawns, 
especially those who are sworn to be apolitical. Those are the men and 
women

[[Page S5295]]

who serve in uniform. There is a growing division. It will continue to 
grow wider.
  So, therefore, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of the 
following nomination: Colonel Peter G. Hart to be Brigadier General in 
the U.S. Army, under Executive Calendar No. 94; that the Senate vote on 
the nomination without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, 
the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and 
the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  The Senator from Alaska.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, I just want to talk about an issue I 
just heard about from two officers just today on this issue of 
readiness, on this issue of maybe this whole episode is creating a 
``Fat Leonard'' scandal 2.0 that is like I said earlier when the Navy 
had some of their top officers kind of wiped out due to corruption. 
They lost a whole generation of senior officers with specific fleet 
experience, which we are still actually dealing with.
  What we are starting to see here--I am hearing it; I have a lot of 
contacts; I have my colleagues whom I have served with. We are starting 
to see that here. Imagine we are facing a really, really dangerous 
world, that we have Senate politics driving military officers--our 
best--I mean, are you listening to these bios? All 30, 35 years of 
incredible combat experience. And we are driving them out.
  As Senator Graham said, some are going to be timed out, eventually. A 
couple are hitting that already. If you get selected and you don't pin 
on by a certain time, you are gone. Think about how bitter you would 
be.
  But here is the other thing. Just today, I heard it, too--I am not 
going to name them--Navy officers who are saying: You know, I think I 
am done with this. I did 28 years. I did seven deployments. My family 
sacrificed. And I am sitting here being held up, when my country needs 
me, on an issue I have nothing to do with--and, by the way, Navy, 
submarine commanders, aircraft carrier commanders, pilots--these guys 
can go out and make huge money. So I am hearing it. I am hearing it.
  We--not we--some of us are driving our senior Admirals and Generals 
out. They are saying: I am done with this. I can serve my country 
another way. I can make a ton of money in the private sector. My family 
deserves it.
  That is happening. That is happening. And it is wrong. It is wrong. 
We all know it is wrong. By the way, if we are here like a year from 
now and we are still dealing with this and we look back, we are like, 
holy cow, look at these great combat veterans with all this experience, 
and they left us; they left us because we forced them out. We are going 
to look back at this episode and just be stunned at what a national 
security suicide mission this became.
  By the way, I am so honored to be standing shoulder to shoulder, 
literally, here on the Senate floor with my good friend and colleague 
Senator Ernst. You know, we have the Army and Marine Corps represented 
right here on the floor. This is a joint op. It is a joint op. 
Protecting our troops. Fighting for our troops. That is what marines 
and soldiers do well. This is a joint op. And we are going to stay here 
until our list is done. Because you know what? There are a lot of 
people who sacrifice so much for this country.
  And to my colleague from Alabama, you still haven't answered the 
question--this is regular order, by the way. All these noms have been 
voted out of committee. I am sure you voted for most of them. I voted 
for almost all of them. Regular order, out of committee. And again, I 
am quoting you: I am not blocking anyone from getting confirmed. I am 
not blocking a single vote. If they want those votes on these nominees 
one at a time, I am all for it, and we will probably vote for them.
  That is the quote from my colleague from Alabama. So what is up with 
that? We are right here. One at a time. One at a time. Regular order.
  This is regular order, by the way, because for 200 years, the Senate 
has voted for nominees by voice vote at one- and two- and three-star 
General levels. It is different for the four-star. But this is regular 
order.
  So my colleague hasn't answered the question yet. It would be good to 
hear why because we are putting time and effort into it. I actually 
thought he was going to come down and say, Hey, you know what? You guys 
did what I mentioned, one at a time, each one, regular order.
  So, what, are you going to make us vote on a Brigadier General with a 
Silver Star twice? That probably has never happened in U.S. history. I 
don't know. It would be good to get an answer to that question.
  By the way, on Iowa, what a great story from my colleague. You know, 
I was doing some training in Alaska many years ago, and the Iowa 
National Guard was out there. These guys were huge, big. Got a picture, 
sent it back to Senator Ernst. Corn-fed. You don't want to mess with 
the Iowa National Guard, I would say that for sure.
  So, Madam President, let's get back to this. Maybe my colleague will 
have a change of heart here. Maybe he will get back to folks--whoa, 
maybe we should. And, by the way, we have the perfect opportunity for 
someone in a really, really important billet. And this is for Maj. Gen. 
David Iverson, U.S. Air Force, to be Lieutenant General and Deputy 
Commander of U.S. Forces, Korea. U.S. Forces, Korea is really, really 
important. It is run by a four-star General. And this would be the 
Deputy Commander.

  By the way, the Korean Peninsula could go any day. Tomorrow, we could 
be at war in Korea. I am a big Korean war history buff. Do you know 
what happened in 1950 in the Korean war? We had civilian and senior 
military leaders in America who did not care about readiness. Sound 
familiar? And when the North Koreans launched their surprise invasion, 
American soldiers by the thousands were killed because there was no 
readiness. We don't want that to happen again on the Korean Peninsula. 
We don't want it to happen. So this guy needs to be confirmed.
  And look at his resume: Maj. Gen. David Iverson most recently served 
as the Vice Director for the Joint Force Development on the Joint 
Staff. His over 32 years in the military, served in a variety of flying 
duties to include evaluator instructor, flight commander, chief of 
weapons, director of operations, commander at the squadron level. He 
has commanded at the flight squadron, twice at the wing level. That is 
huge. Incredible military experience. Two wing commands. He also served 
as a congressional legislative liaison in the 609th Air Operations 
Center command in Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Iverson is a command 
pilot with over 5,400 hours.
  America, you should be proud of these people. And I know you all are. 
He has 5,400 hours, including 1,500 combat hours. And we are making 
this guy sit. We are making him sit--1,500 combat hours. F-15, TF30. I 
mean--Madam President, we should confirm this great American right now. 
And we have the opportunity to do it.
  I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session 
for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar 
No. 187, David R. Iverson, to be Lieutenant General and Deputy 
Commander, U.S. Forces Korea--Commander, Combined Air Component 
Command; United Nations Command, Commander, Combined Air Command, 
Combined Forces Command, Korea, and Commander, 7th U.S. Air Force, 
Pacific Air Forces; that the Senate vote on the nomination without 
intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to 
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President 
be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, well, that was another downgrade of 
readiness for America right there.
  Madam President, let me go into another very, very impressive 
military member. We don't talk about this part of our military that 
much; but, boy, oh boy, is it important. And this is for Maj. Gen. 
Andrew Gebara, of the U.S. Air Force, to be promoted to Lieutenant 
General and Deputy Chief of Staff

[[Page S5296]]

for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters, U.S. 
Air Force.
  Let me run that by you again: strategic deterrence with nukes and 
nuclear integration.
  I would say that is a pretty darned important billet.
  Let's hear about Major General Gebara's 32-year career. He has served 
as the Commander of the 325th Weapons Squadron, Eighth Air Force, and 
Joint-Global Strike Operations Center. Major General Gebara is a 
command pilot with more than 3,800 flight hours.
  There you go. The best, most experienced military members in the 
world, right here, sitting on the sidelines, not in the game. On the 
bench. And we can change that right now; 46 combat air sorties, and 
everything--get this--from the A-10 to the B-2. This guy is a stud.
  In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Major General Gebara most 
recently served as Special Assistant to the Director of Staff of the 
Headquarters of the U.S. Air Force. And we can confirm this nomination 
by a voice vote right now.
  Therefore, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to executive session for consideration of the following 
nomination: Executive Calendar No. 51, Andrew J. Gebara, to be 
Lieutenant General and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence 
and Nuclear Integration, headquarters: U.S. Air Force; that the Senate 
vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that if 
confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon 
the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's 
action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, again, strategic nuclear deterrence. 
Pretty darned important. I guess he is going to have to sit on the 
sidelines for longer.
  I want to go now to another element of our military, and that is 
Special Operations. And this is an opportunity for a really storied 
military leader, Lt. Gen. James Slife, U.S. Air Force, to be four-star 
General and Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. Again, you have 
the Chiefs of Staff--those are the Joint Chiefs--and then they have the 
Vice Chiefs. The Vice Chiefs are so important because they run the 
enterprise of the Air Force. This General will essentially run the Air 
Force in so many ways. Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. This 
is one of the most important nominations of the evening.
  Let's hear about Lieutenant General Slife. Again, 33-year career. 
Putting all his time, effort--I am sure his family's effort--dedicated 
patriot to America. Has served most of his career in aviation special 
operations. Senator Ernst knows a lot about that. He has held commands 
at the Air Force Special Operations Command, 1st Special Operations 
Wing, and 27th Special Operations Group--33 years. Imagine what this 
patriot has done to protect America. He probably can't talk about half 
of it. He has deployed extensively over three decades in support of 
combat operations all over the world, most recently in Afghanistan. 
Lieutenant General Slife most recently served as Deputy Chief of 
Operations for Headquarters, Air Force.

  This General, right now, if we just have one Senator say ``good to 
go,'' will be confirmed as Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. 
Therefore, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to executive session for the consideration of the following 
nomination: Executive Calendar No. 338, James C. Slife to be General 
and Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force; that the Senate vote on 
the nomination without intervening action or debate; and that if 
confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon 
the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's 
action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. This next one, I believe, is an empty billet. I am 
pretty sure. I have to double-check my math here.
  This is Shoshana Chatfield to be Vice Admiral and U.S. Military 
Representative to NATO. NATO. There is a lot going on in NATO right 
now, and we don't have this Vice Admiral in her position as a Military 
Representative to NATO? That is not impacting readiness?
  Let's hear about Rear Admiral Chatfield's 35-year naval career. She 
is a pilot. She has commanded HC-5 and, upon its disestablishment, was 
the Commanding Officer of HSC-25, the Island Knights. She subsequently 
commanded a Joint Provisional Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan, was a 
Type Wing Commander of the HSC Wing in the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and the 
Commander of the Joint Region Marianas.
  Think about that experience. Think about that experience. We need 
people understanding INDOPACOM, Marianas, to take on China.
  Operationally, she has flown the SH-3, the CH-46 Delta, the MH-60 
Sierra, and deployed in helicopter detachments to the Western Pacific 
and the Arabian Gulf, supporting carrier strike groups and amphibious-
ready group operations--carrier strike groups and amphibious-ready 
strike groups. Those are Marine amphibious-ready groups. She has done 
both, INDOPACOM and in the Middle East.
  Now she is going to be a three-star Representative Admiral at NATO, 
and we are keeping her on the bench. We could confirm her right now. 
Look at that experience--35 years as a naval aviator.
  She most recently served as the President of the Naval War College, 
so she is brilliant as well. Sitting on the bench.
  Madam President, we need to confirm her now; therefore, I ask 
unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for 
consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 90, 
Shoshana S. Chatfield to be Vice Admiral and U.S. Military 
Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; that the 
Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; 
that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid 
upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the 
Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, let's go directly to our great U.S. 
Navy. This is James P. Downey to be Vice Admiral and Commander, Naval 
Sea Systems Command.
  Again, we all know that the Navy is the critical service. They are 
all critical, but when it comes to China, we have some catching up to 
do. This is a critical command billet.
  Let's hear about Rear Admiral Downey, James P. Downey. He has served 
in the Navy for 36 years.
  I would like to--Senator Ernst, maybe we just need to add up the 
experience that we are talking about tonight. Everybody is at least 30 
years. It is like over 1,000 years. It makes you proud as an American. 
It makes me sure darn proud.
  Thank you, Rear Admiral Downey, for your 36 years of service to our 
great Nation and great U.S. Navy.
  He served as the Commander of the Navy Regional Maintenance Center--
boy, do we need expertise in maintenance for our Navy--and as the 
Program Executive Officer for U.S. Aircraft Carriers. Wow, that is 
great experience, and we need that every day.
  He most recently served as Special Assistant to the Assistant 
Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition. 
Additional operational assignments include Intelligence Briefing 
Officer to the Commander and Chief, Combined Forces Command, U.S. 
Forces Korea, and multiple deployments in the North Atlantic, Baltic, 
Arctic Circle--probably up in my neck of the woods in Alaska--and the 
Indo-Pacific. Incredible experience here.
  We need to promote him, and we can do it right now with a voice vote, 
right here. We are bringing up individual nominees, individual votes, 
as my colleague from Alabama requested, so let's do it.
  Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to 
executive session for the consideration of

[[Page S5297]]

the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 113, James P. Downey 
to be Vice Admiral and Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command; that the 
Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; and 
that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid 
upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the 
Senate's action.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, let's go back to my beloved Marine 
Corps. I love the Marine Corps. I mean, I love all the services, but I 
really love the Marine Corps.
  Madam President, this is another critical element of the Marine 
Corps. Of course, everybody thinks about infantry with the marines, but 
our aviation component is so important and so darn good. Marine Corps 
aviation has made Americans proud for decades and decades and decades.
  We have Bradford J. Gering to be Lieutenant General and Deputy 
Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps Aviation Section at Headquarters, 
Marine Corps.
  Maj. Gen. Bradford Gering has served in the Marine Corps since 1988. 
He most recently served as the Commanding General of I MEF.
  Just so everybody knows, I MEF, which I talked about earlier, is the 
I Marine Expeditionary Force, commonly known in the Marine Corps as the 
Imperial MEF, probably the best combined warfighting machine in the 
U.S. military. I am a little biased, but it is true.
  He is a I MEF Commander. In the Marine Corps, you don't get any 
better than that. You don't get any more experienced than that. And he 
has had multiple deployments. He is a combat veteran with unbelievable 
experience, and he is sitting on the bench.
  We need to get him in the fight, and we can do it right now. We can 
confirm this great American patriot by voice vote right now. Therefore, 
Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to 
executive session for the consideration of the follow nomination: 
Executive Calendar No. 111, Bradford J. Gering to be Lieutenant General 
and Deputy Commandant, Aviation Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; that 
the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; 
and that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and 
laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the 
Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  The Senator from Iowa.
  Ms. ERNST. Madam President, we have another opportunity to vote on 
another outstanding officer. This one is COL Scott D. Wilkinson, and he 
has been promoted to the grade of Brigadier General.
  As an Army veteran myself, I know and I understand the importance of 
recognizing this deserving officer who earned his promotion in the U.S. 
Army. He is a decorated warfighter. He distinguished himself with honor 
for meritorious achievement in a combat zone during his deployment.
  As a Captain--a young O3 is what we call them in the Army--Colonel 
Wilkinson provided precision close air support over a 6-hour period 
using night vision goggles, with zero illumination, in a complex urban 
environment, enabling the assault and exfiltration of a combined joint 
task force under heavy enemy fire.
  I am proud to be here on this floor as well standing shoulder to 
shoulder with my Marine Corps friend, Col. Dan Sullivan of Alaska.
  You can read through this little, brief description of COL Scott D. 
Wilkinson.
  For those of us who have served and have been part of a team and have 
been deployed, we understand the significance of having close air 
support.
  I served as a Transportation Company Commander when I deployed, and I 
will tell you that having close air support--knowing they were a phone 
call away--always made my drivers and me feel a lot better about 
things. I know Colonel Sullivan, as an infantryman, also understands 
what it is to have that close air support and how important those men 
and women overhead are during battle.
  So, COL Scott D. Wilkinson, I am really glad to give you close air 
support tonight. Those of us who have worked on a team understand how 
significant it is to have one another's back and make sure these men 
and women are protected.
  With this close air support, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent 
that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of 
the following nomination: COL Scott D. Wilkinson to be Brigadier 
General in the U.S. Army under Executive Calendar No. 94; that the 
Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; and 
that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid 
upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the 
Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Ms. ERNST. Madam President, we are going to move next to COL Joseph 
W. Wortham II.
  I call to the floor Executive Calendar No. 94, COL Joseph W. Wortham 
II to the grade of Brigadier General.
  Again, we are seeing a pattern. We have Colonel Wortham. He is a 
decorated warfighter and, again, as a Captain, as an O3, his brave and 
decisive actions saved the life of a severely wounded American and 
defeated a large enemy force in Iraq in 2005.
  My colleague Colonel Sullivan, Senator Sullivan from Alaska--we have 
been talking about what it is to serve and the way these heroes have 
reacted in combat. Because of Colonel Wortham's actions in combat, he 
saved the life of a fellow countryman, saved the life of an individual 
willing to lay down his life for his country.
  Colonel Wortham was willing to do the same. He saved the life of a 
severely wounded American, and he defeated a large enemy force in Iraq 
in 2005. Again, he was part of an incredible team. He didn't turn his 
back on his teammate; he saved his life. It is crucial to ensure that 
this deserving officer, who earned this promotion, is afforded the 
opportunity to be recognized.
  Colonel Wortham, again, is part of a glorious team and was first 
commissioned into the Army in 1996 through Auburn University's Reserve 
Officer Training Corps.
  During his 25 years of service, he participated in operations in 
Egypt, Israel, and Lebanon, as well as combat operations in Iraq, 
Afghanistan, and Syria. His understanding of Kurdish culture and 
training in the Turkish language proved essential for his repeated 
deployments to the Kurdish regions of Iraq and Syria.
  I firmly believe that Colonel Wortham's qualifications, record, and 
character make him exceptionally eligible for this promotion, and by 
the fact that he went through Auburn University's ROTC Program.
  I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session 
for the consideration of the following nomination: War hero who saved 
the life of a fellow soldier, COL Joseph W. Wortham II, to be Brigadier 
General in the United States Army under Executive Calendar No. 94; that 
the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; 
that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid 
upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the 
Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. And the objection is heard.
  Ms. ERNST. Next, Madam President, we will move on to CAPT Thomas A. 
Donovan--CAPT Thomas A. Donovan, for appointment to Rear Admiral (lower 
half). Captain Donovan is currently serving as the Executive Officer to 
the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
  I know Captain Donovan, and I know of his service. I will not go into 
details tonight on this floor. I will explain it

[[Page S5298]]

to Members who are on this floor, off the floor, if they would like to 
talk about Captain Donovan.
  I truly believe that we must stand up for the security and protection 
of our Nation, and I am proud to recognize this deserving officer, who 
earned this promotion, and highlight his selfless call to serve.
  I firmly believe that Captain Donovan's qualifications, record, and 
character make him exceptionally eligible for this appointment and 
promotion.
  Now, again, I know Captain Donovan. I know him quite well. There may 
be mumblings over some of these younger officers. We have spent just a 
brief time talking about them on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Those 
who are out watching on C-SPAN, or maybe in clips tomorrow, will 
understand why some of these presentations are very brief.
  For those in this Chamber that don't understand why these 
presentations are very brief, they shouldn't be here objecting to these 
nominations. I will let that sink in.
  OK, CAPT Thomas A. Donovan.
  Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to 
executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: 
CAPT Thomas A. Donovan to be Rear Admiral (lower half) in the Navy, 
under Executive Calendar No. 97; that the Senate vote on the nomination 
without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to 
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President 
be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Ms. ERNST. And I am very sorry to hear that.
  Again, we have got another very short presentation here. I will have 
to explain it to my colleagues that maybe haven't served why they are 
brief.
  Madam President, I call to the floor Executive Calendar No. 97, CAPT 
Joshua Lasky, for appointment to Rear Admiral (lower half).
  As a 23-year combat veteran myself and a retired Lieutenant Colonel 
of our great U.S. Army, I am proud to stand up for this valiant officer 
who has answered the selfless call to service and earned this promotion 
in the U.S. Navy.
  I firmly believe that Captain Lasky's qualifications, record, and 
character make him exceptionally eligible for this promotion. And, 
again, I will have to visit with folks off the floor to explain more 
about Captain Lasky. He is fully deserving of this promotion, and I am 
very sorry to acknowledge that he also will probably be objected to--
one more hero that will be objected to this evening.
  So not only have we seen Senator Schumer dragging his feet on these 
nominations, but tonight we have had the exceptional opportunity--I 
think we have had maybe 40 of these nominations brought forward, but we 
are still dragging our feet on these. We are voting on them one by one, 
one by one, one by one--just as our colleague asked, one by one. These 
are men and women of honor. They are sworn to uphold the Constitution, 
the very Constitution that my colleague is saying he is protecting. 
They are sworn to uphold, and they would do it with their blood. Some 
of these men have done it with their blood. I am waiting.
  So, Madam President, we can confirm this nomination by voice vote 
right here, tonight, individually--individually brought up, just as my 
colleague has asked.
  I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session 
for the consideration of the following nomination: CAPT Joshua Lasky to 
be Rear Admiral (lower half) in the Navy under Executive Calendar No. 
97; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action 
or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered 
made and laid upon the table, and the President be immediately notified 
of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  The Senator from Alaska.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, I am still--I think we are both, 
Senator Ernst and I. We are still just kind of confused on the ``one by 
one,'' as my colleague and friend--he is my friend. So I mean that 
sincerely. He said: I am all for it if nominees come up one at a time. 
I am all for it. That is a quote. That is what we are doing--one at a 
time, one by one, as Senator Ernst has said.
  And some of these, you know, if you serve in the military long 
enough, you know these people personally. And the next nominee I want 
to talk about I know quite well, Kenneth Wilsbach. He is a four-star 
General right now, and he is in charge of the Pacific Air Forces--
incredible experience. General Wilsbach will move in to be the U.S. Air 
Force Commander of Air Combat Command, one of the top billets in the 
U.S. Air Force--a guy with incredible experience, with a wonderful wife 
and a wonderful family.
  He served as the Alaska Command Commander. That is the subcomponent 
command under INDOPACOM and NORTHCOM for Alaska--a three-star General 
in charge of all forces in Alaska. So I know him. He is an exceptional 
patriot and so deserving of this promotion.
  And, by the way, it has nothing to do with the policy dispute that we 
actually agree on, all my colleagues here. We think what Secretary 
Austin did to light this fire was not helpful at all. The civilian 
military leadership over at the Pentagon--that is where I do agree with 
my colleague from Alabama. Certainly, there is more focus on 
nonwarfighting issues--the civilians, not the uniformed ones.
  But let's go back to General Wilsbach, a 38-year career in the Air 
Force--38 years. I know this guy, a great family. He is a patriot 
warrior. He has commanded a fighter squad and operation group, two 
wings, two numbered Air Forces, and held various staff assignments, 
including Director of Operations, Combined Air Operations Center; 
Director of Operations U.S. Central Command.
  Central Command--that is the Middle East. I was a staff officer out 
there, for a year and a half, to our CENTCOM Commander many years ago.
  So General Wilsbach has great Middle East experience, which we need 
today, but he also has great INDOPACOM experience. Right now, he is the 
Commander of Pacific Air Forces--right now. He is doing a great job. If 
there is going to be a war with China, this is the guy who knows it. I 
mean, you can't ask for better experience.
  Let's continue with General Wilsbach. He is a command pilot with more 
than 5,000 hours of flying--and we are going to put him on a bench--in 
multiple aircrafts, primarily F-15Cs, F16Cs, MC-12s, and F-22 Alphas. 
We have a lot of those in Alaska. And he has flown 71 combat missions 
in Operation Northern Watch, Southern Watch, and Operation Enduring 
Freedom.
  As I mentioned, General Wilsbach currently serves as the Commander of 
the Pacific Air Forces, the Air Component Commander of U.S. INDOPACOM, 
and the Executive Director of the Pacific Air Combat Operations staff.
  A great patriot, whom we need to confirm right now--we can do it. We 
can do it right now by voice vote--regular order, by the way, regular 
order. Don't say it is not because it is, and we are doing them 
individually, which is what was asked.
  So I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive 
session for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive 
Calendar No. 198, Kenneth S. Wilsbach, to be Commander of U.S. Air 
Combat Command, one of the most important commands in the U.S. Air 
Force--in the U.S. military, let's face it--that the Senate vote on the 
nomination without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the 
motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the 
President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, let me talk about another really 
important billet that I know a lot about, given that a lot of its 
assets are in

[[Page S5299]]

Alaska, and, again, this is such an important billet to not leave 
without a leader. This will be for Heath A. Collins to be Lieutenant 
General and the Director of the Missile Defense Agency.
  What does MDA do? What does the Missile Defense Agency do? Oh, it 
just protects America from all incoming missiles. Huh, that is not 
important. That is what the Missile Defense Agency does. Maj. Gen. 
Heath Collins, U.S. Air Force, needs to be promoted to be the head of 
the MDA.
  So in Alaska, we call ourselves the cornerstone of missile defense. 
All the ground-based missile interceptors that protect the whole 
country are in Alaska, at Fort Greely. All the radar systems that 
essentially can track anything coming from North Korea, Iran, it is all 
in Alaska. We protect everywhere: Iowa, Alabama, Rhode Island, Florida. 
That is Alaska. We protect the whole darn Nation, our great warriors up 
there, and the Missile Defense Agency is in charge of overseeing all of 
it. So it is pretty darn important, especially with Iran wanting to lob 
missiles all over the world.
  Let's talk about Maj. Gen. Heath Collins. Again, with a 30-year Air 
Force career, he served as a program executive officer for fighters and 
bombers, System Program Director for the Ground-Based Strategic 
Deterrent Program, Deputy Director for Infrared Space Systems 
Directorate and the Remote Sensing Systems Directorate, and Commander 
of Space Based Infrared System Space Squadron.
  Now, I am not going to repeat what I just said, but he is obviously 
incredibly smart. Think about all that he has commanded and the 
technological elements of his experience to protect America. Almost 
every billet he has had has been about protecting America. He is 
perfectly qualified to be the Director of the Missile Defense Agency.
  He recently served as the Program Executive for the ground-based 
weapons systems for the Missile Defense Agency, Redstone Arsenal, 
Alabama.
  He probably loves the Crimson Tide, or maybe I should say Auburn. I 
don't want to get in trouble in that regard with my colleague here.
  So, again, America needs the Director of Missile Defense--like, 
hello. So let us do it. Let us do it right now. Here is the 
opportunity. The Missile Defense Agency is really, really important. My 
state knows a lot about it.
  I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session 
for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar 
No. 237, Heath A. Collins, to be Lieutenant General and Director of the 
Missile Defense Agency; that the Senate vote on the nomination without 
intervening action or debate; that, if confirmed, the motion to 
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President 
be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, by the way, thank you for presiding 
tonight. It is important, what we are doing, and we always need people, 
and all the staff. It is getting a little late here. So we appreciate 
it. This is important for our country, and maybe we are going to get a 
change of heart from my colleague at a certain point because I am going 
to turn now to the Navy. I got a bunch of nominations that relate to 
the Navy.
  Now, I have been very critical of the Biden administration. The 
President's budget the last 3 years has shrunk the Army, shrunk the 
Navy, shrunk the Marine Corps; right? That is the wrong message to send 
to Xi Jinping and Putin right now. But we do need these leaders here. 
And, by the way, a lot of leaders are frustrated with the Biden 
administration, but they are professionals. So they don't say anything. 
They are apolitical. They are not involved in this dispute that is 
riling up their promotions.
  But let me just talk about a really important member of the Navy, and 
I happen to know a lot about it since I serve on the Board of Visitors 
of the U.S. Naval Academy.
  This is the nomination of Yvette M. Davids to be Vice Admiral and 
Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy.
  Now, as I mentioned, I have served on the Board of the Naval Academy 
since I got here. One of the biggest honors of my life was when Senator 
McCain, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, asked me to sit on 
that Board in his stead. And he told me: Dan, I went there. My dad went 
there. My grandpa went there. This is really important.
  So I pretty much make every Board meeting. I take it very seriously, 
and I will tell you this: This is one of the best, if not the best--
sorry to my colleague from Rhode Island--military academy, but college 
in the United States. I mean, especially now that we are seeing this. 
Look, I went to Harvard, and I am so embarrassed by that place that I 
don't even like admitting it, what is happening right now on the campus 
there, anti-Semitism, weak leadership.
  The Naval Academy, our service academies are fantastic. They are not 
perfect, but they do such a great job. But they need leadership. And I 
have gotten to know the other Naval Academy Superintendents--fantastic 
leaders. Right now, we don't have one. The billet is empty. We have an 
acting. Actually, he is acting because he is getting ready to go to the 
Seventh Fleet, but my colleague from Alabama just didn't allow him to 
go to the Seventh Fleet. So the Acting Superintendent of the Naval 
Academy should have been out to the Seventh Fleet.
  Let us look at Yvette Davids' bio--so impressive. She is a Rear 
Admiral right now, with 34 years in the Navy. She commanded the USS 
Curts, deploying to the Western Pacific and the Arabian Gulf in support 
of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and the USS Bunker 
Hill, serving as the Air Defense Commander for the Carl Vinson Carrier 
Strike Group. Think how impressive this is. Her most recent operational 
assignment was as Commander of the Nimitz Strike Group. She was a 
Commander of a carrier strike group in the Carrier Strike Group 11. 
That is the ultimate in American power.
  You can't teach that in 2 years. It takes 30 years. She can go teach 
Naval Academy students right now--the next leaders of the Marine Corps 
and the U.S. Navy--and she is sitting on the bench.
  Her flag assignments include Senior Military Advisor to the Assistant 
Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs at the State 
Department, Carrier Strike Group Command, Chief of Staff, U.S. Southern 
Command, and the Director of the Navy's Learning to Action Board drive 
team.
  Rear Admiral Davids is currently the Acting Commander for Naval 
Surface Force for the U.S. Pacific Fleet--an incredible bio. The Naval 
Academy--I know it because I am on the Board. We want her to get there. 
We certainly want her to get there in time for the Army-Navy game so 
the U.S. Naval Academy can beat Army badly. Sorry, my colleagues from 
the Army. We got to have a little fun here tonight.
  So let us do it right now, by voice vote, for this great patriot.
  I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session 
for the consideration of the following nomination: Executive Calendar 
No. 192, Yvette M. Davids, to be Vice Admiral and Superintendent, U.S. 
Naval Academy; that the Senate vote on the nomination without 
intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the motion to 
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President 
be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The object is noted.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, let us continue with the Navy--again, 
such an important service. They are all important. But in a big throw-
down with China, we have to have a stronger Navy, a bigger Navy, a more 
lethal Navy, and this next nominee is going to be that person--RADM 
Brendan R. McLane, U.S. Navy, to be Vice Admiral and Naval Surface 
Forces Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
  What does that mean? That is the Surface Commander for all U.S. naval 
forces in the INDOPACOM theater, who would be in charge if we had a 
contingency with China. That is pretty darn important.

[[Page S5300]]

  So let us hear about Rear Admiral McLane's 33-year Navy career.
  Again, are you noticing something? It is 33, 34, 35--General 
Wilsbach, 38 years. Patriots--and now they are like: Wait. Why am I 
stuck? Why are they going after my career? It is something I have 
nothing to do with.
  It is wrong. We all know it is wrong. It is wrong.
  In Rear Admiral McLane's 33-year naval career, he has served as the 
Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 50--a huge deal--commanded Task Force 
55 and Coalition Task Force 152, U.S. Fifth Fleet. Additionally, he 
served aboard the USS Lewis B. Puller, the USS Vicksburg, the USS 
Moosbrugger, Destroyer Squadron 14, the USS Simpson. Jeez, look at all 
of these commands and deployments.
  While in command of the USS Kearny, his ship won the Battle ``E'' and 
Battenberg Cup and deployed with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group 
for the U.S. Fifth Fleet. By the way, the ``Ike'' carrier strike group 
is in the Middle East right now.
  In major command, he served as Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 50, 
commanded Task Force 55 and Coalition Task Force 152, U.S. Fifth 
Fleet--again, the Middle East.
  Most recently, Rear Admiral McLane served as the 60th Commander of 
Naval Surface Force Atlantic.
  The amount of experience we are hearing tonight that we are not 
letting go fight and protect our nation--it makes you humble, by the 
way, when you hear about all these great patriots, but it sure makes me 
frustrated. They are on the bench.
  But let us try and get them off the bench. We can confirm this 
nominee by voice vote right now.
  Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to 
executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: 
Executive Calendar No. 193, Brendan R. McLane, to be Vice Admiral and 
Commander, Naval Surface Forces; Commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. 
Pacific Fleet; that the Senate vote on the nomination without 
intervening action or debate; that, if confirmed, the motion to 
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President 
be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, I am going to talk about one more Navy 
officer. We have a number to go. I am going to do this quick. This is 
Christopher S. Gray to be Vice Admiral and Commander of Navy 
Installations Command. He has got a great resume, a 34-year Navy 
career.
  Rear Admiral Gray has been the Commanding Officer of the Carrier 
Airborne Early Warning Squadron before reporting as Operations Officer 
aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, where he conducted back-to-back 
deployments to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring 
Freedom.
  At sea, Gray has served in operational assignments with Carrier 
Airborne Early Warning Squadrons and a flag aide to the Commander in 
the U.S. Second Fleet, Striking Fleet Atlantic.
  More recently, Rear Admiral Gray served as the Commander of the 
Navy's Mid-Atlantic Region on June 30, 2020.
  Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to 
executive session for the consideration of the following nomination: 
Executive Calendar No. 195, Christopher S. Gray, to be Vice Admiral and 
Commander, Navy Installations Command; that the Senate vote on the 
nomination without intervening action or debate; that if confirmed, the 
motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the 
President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Rhode Island.
  Mr. REED. I would ask that my colleagues yield so that I can ask 
unanimous consent to prepare for tomorrow's session.
  Ms. ERNST. I yield the floor.

                          ____________________